Walter had an ordinary morning. He had taken breakfast before handing his mother money to take his sister shopping. His mother stared at the gold and her smile deepened. She intended to shop in the heart of the city and was happy she had received a lot of gold. Walter was not sure why he had given her that much. He still felt bothered by the lady's attitude the night before so, when his mother brought up the topic, he just handed it to her.
If his worries were not compound enough; by midday, Her Lady ship's maid Shilla, made an appearance. He received her in one of the sitting rooms. Asking her to sit, but he was declined.
“No need to bother, sir, my lady asked I deliver this,” she handed an envelope and a large pouch to him. He looked inside and saw gold. Though his lady always paid him in gold, never this much before. Besides, he had not
done much this time. Why would she pay him? Looking into the envelope, he found two tokens and a stamp. He noticed the insignia on them but was confused about what it was for.
“My lady says, the first token is for the swan jewellery house and the second is for Madame D'huile's pavilion. They are the most prestigious jewellery and dressmaker in the capital. The stamp is yours; she had one made for you. You have been registered and all official documents including this property now go with this stamp.
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“She says the tokens were obtained with your stamp which means you can buy any jewellery and dress from there for a year. You only need to use your name and the fees will be waved. She says these tokens cost a fortune, so you must use them well,” Shilla explained. Walter looked at her in confusion. What was he to do with all these?
“She says Lady Steinhouse has been wronged by society recently, and you must show good faith by offering her presents. Women love clothes and Jewellery, she said. Do this, so she may focus on the task at hand,” Shilla explained.
Walter felt his head spin. This was an order. Buying clothes for the Lady Steinhouse? Wronged by society? He had a bad feeling about this. Lady Steinhouse's attitude lately; he buying her clothes and jewellery, was that not an open invitation? Walter called over a servant and wrote down Lady Steinhouse's address.
He handed the tokens in the envelope to the servant and asked him to deliver it. Writing a short note, he told the boy to deliver it to Lady Steinhouse. Shilla pretended she did not see his action and left. She did not think he would respond that way, but for him to be wary, meant her lady's plan held water.